Castramid Tablet

Castramid Tablet should be taken with or without food, preferably at a fixed time every day. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.

Anemia (low number of red blood cells) is very common side effect of this medicine. Other than this, yellowing of skin, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, dark urine, and skin rashes are some side effects which require immediate action. Regular blood tests are required to check your blood cells along with liver function during treatment with this medicine. It makes your skin more sensitive towards sunlight, hence take extra caution while going out.

Before taking it, tell your doctor if have diabetes, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your doctor know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It may harm your baby. The use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.  You may be asked for regular monitoring of blood glucose level while on treatment.

Prostate cancer

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Castramid Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Castramid Tablet blocks the effect of the natural male hormones on the growth of prostate cells. Castramid Tablet also blocks the undesired effects of androgens in females such as excessive hair growth and acne.

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You have been prescribed Castramid Tablet for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Take it with or without food, preferably at the same time every day.

It may cause your skin to become light sensitive. Avoid direct exposure to excessive sunlight and use sunscreen when outdoors.

If you are diabetic, monitor your blood glucose regularly while taking Castramid Tablet.

Your doctor may want you to have regular blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you notice yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or stomach pain.

Do not stop taking the medication without talking to your doctor first.

Q. Can Castramid Tablet cause infertility?

There is limited data to support that Castramid Tablet causes infertility. Castramid Tablet has been shown to affect fertility in animals and therefore it is assumed that it may cause fertility on humans. Some studies have shown that it affects spermatogenesis (origin and development of the sperm cells).

Q. What should I avoid while taking Castramid Tablet?

Skin sensitivity has been observed in some patients while taking Castramid Tablet. Therefore, you should avoid direct sun exposure, sunlamps, and tanning beds. It is advised to use a sunscreen during treatment with Castramid Tablet.

Q. Is Castramid Tablet a form of chemotherapy?

No, Castramid Tablet is not a form of chemotherapy medicine, it is anti-androgen medicine. Androgens such as testosterone are natural male sex hormones. Castramid Tablet works by blocking the effect of androgens (testosterone) in order to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Q. Does Castramid Tablet cause hair loss?

Yes, Castramid Tablet may cause hair loss as it is a common side effect. However, this does not affect everyone. Consult your doctor, if hair loss is worrying you.

Q. What is Castramid Tablet prescribed for?

Castramid Tablet is used with another medication (gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists; such as leuprolide or goserelin) to treat metastatic prostate cancer (prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body). Other than that, Castramid Tablet has been effective in treating hirsutism in patients with polycystic ovarian disease, though this is not an approved use.

Q. When should I take Castramid Tablet?

Castramid Tablet should be taken at the same time every day either in the morning or in the evening. Take it exactly as directed by your doctor.

Q. Can Castramid Tablet cause diarrhea?

Yes, Castramid Tablet can cause diarrhea though it is rare. Generally, constipation is more common with this medicine. Consult your doctor if it worries you.

Q. How long do I need to take Castramid Tablet?

Castramid Tablet tablets should be taken continuously for a minimum of 2 years or until the disease persists. Do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

In Prostate cancer

Prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland that produces a fluid called seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperms in males. The most common symptom of prostate cancer is difficulty with urination, but sometimes there are no symptoms at all. Castramid Tablet decreases or stops the growth of cancer cells by decreasing the amount of testosterone (natural hormone in males) in men. This also relieves difficulty in passing urine and makes it easier for you to urinate.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Weight gain

Weakness

Sleepiness

Nausea

Increased liver enzymes

Hot flashes

Flatulence

Indigestion

Dizziness

Depression

Decreased libido

Decreased appetite

Constipation

Breast tenderness

Breast enlargement in male

Abdominal pain

Rash

Anemia (low number of red blood cells)

Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Castramid Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:UNSAFE

Castramid Tablet is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor’s advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Information regarding the use of Castramid Tablet during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Driving:SAFE

Castramid Tablet does not usually affect your ability to drive.

Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Castramid Tablet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Castramid Tablet is recommended.

Liver:CAUTION

Castramid Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Castramid Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Regular monitoring of liver function tests is advisable while you are taking this medicine.

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